AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-7A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Josh M. Smith, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of a C-7A aircraft near the Special Forces Camp at Bu Krak, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 October 1969. On that date, Captain Smith volunteered to qualify two student pilots and deliver combat necessary ammunition to the camp which had been under siege for several days. Contact was made with the camp and it was learned that the area around the camp was saturated with hostile forces. Captain Smith was able to successfully complete two missions to the camp under the cover of air strikes and bombing raids without sustaining aircraft damage or aircrew injury. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Josh M. Smith, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of a C-7A aircraft near the Special Forces Camp of Dak Seang, Republic of Vietnam on 3 April 1970. On that date, Captain Smith elected to fly an Emergency Resupply Mission in direct support of the besieged camp. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Smith successfully completed the drop while flying through heavy automatic weapons fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.